NORFOLK, VA—ODU (28-20/14-13) junior righthander Victor Diaz pitched a complete game seven-hitter and senior designated hitter Ben Slaton knocked in five of ODU’s runs as the Monarchs defeated Florida Atlantic, 12-1 in a C-USA series. The game was shortened to seven innings because of the C-USA Travel day 10-run rule. ODU scored in all but one inning and pounded out 14 hits. Up to date C-USA standings attached.

Diaz (3-2) pitched seven innings, the longest of his career at ODU, fanning six with no walks. FAU scored in the seventh when pinchhitter Reid Neal doubled home catcher Kevin Abraham.Diaz lowered his ERA to 2.87.

Slaton doubled home Josiah Burney and Taylor Ostrich in the ODU three-run first inning and Burney also knocked in Nick Walker in that frame. In the second inning PJ Higgins walked with the bases loaded to bring home Tyler Urps, then Slaton belted a three-run double to give the Monarchs a 7-0 lead.

Slaton finished the day with three hits in four at-bats, one run scored and five RBI. Nick Walker, Taylor Ostrich, Josh Eldridge and Tyler Urps each had two hits on the day. Slaton finished the weekend with a .500 batting average with four doubles and seven runs batted in.

Nick Walker, PJ Higgins, Josiah Burney, Connor Myers, Jordan Negrini and Tyler Urps each knocked in a run for the Monarchs.

Taylor Ostrick now leads the Monarchs in hitting at .322 with Nick Walker second at .321. Slaton now leads the team in RBI with 37, followed by Josiah Burney with 36.

The Monarchs return to action next weekend with a three-game C-USA series at Marshall beginning Friday at 1 pm. The series will be played in Appalachian Power Park in Charleston, WVA. Doug Ripley will provide the play-by-play on STAR1310 AM radio.